Building a ZF shipping crate

I tried the Contico Pro Tuff 3725 case, but with the bell housing, I didn’t like the way it was fitting, nor the perceived protection it would provide.



So I decided to make my own.

I estimated the total length and width of the transaxle were about 27” by 20” and 19” high. I started with by base by adding 4” for relief from contact with the crate and cut the base and top at 30 ½” X 24 out of ½ plywood. To the base I screwed two 24” 2X4 on the each end for feet and on the inner side attached two 30” 2X4”. Using two 17” 2X2 just outside of the transaxle bottom cover would just lift it from sitting on the plywood bottom. Two 6” 2X2 were placed against the axle flanges (9 ½” apart) to limit side to side and center the unit. A 24” 1X6 was placed at the tail (4” from the end) and surprising the three points of contact were about equal. To assist with centering the tail a 4” and a 4 ½” 2X2 were attached to the 1X6.



To hold it in place, 4 3/8” eye hooks were installed into the two feet 2X4 at each corner, the front being as far apart as the inside 2X4 would allow(14”) and the tail being 10” apart. A pair of ratcheting tie down straps snugged it down.



The ends of the top cover to the base were two 24 X 22 sections of ½ plywood with the sides being 22 X 31 ½”; with a frame of four 16 ½”, two 27 ½” and two 24” 2x2 used on the inside. The center of gravity was found to be at 17/14 and marked.



Now I just need to find the total weight and make plans to take it to FedEx freight terminal about an hour away.